Friday 15 September 2017

Superheroes and History (the Example of Captain America): Reading, Writing and Speaking Activities

In this lesson, students analyse the link between history and superhero stories (through the example of Captain America), and practise their reading, speaking, and writing skills.




In this lesson, I really wanted to make students see superhero stories for more than mere stories of superdudes with cool superpowers (sadly they often fail to acknowledge that superheroines also exist). I have already led them to pinpoint patterns in superhero stories in Analysing superhero stories

Now students will have to describe/analyse two comic book covers and explain what is WWII, the Cold War, September 11th and the link between those historical events and Captain America.

I have selected two comic book covers that I find illustrate very well the evolution of Captain America through time, following the unfolding of American foreign diplomatic policies and issues. They are also very popular covers so please if you have any lead on more interesting/less well-known ones, don't hesitate to leave a comment with a suggestion :).

Also, to do exercise 4 on today's enemy of Captain America I asked students to read the first issue of Captain America comic book, which was published in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 terror attacks.


Click on the link or on the pictures below to see the worksheet (+ answers)

Superheroes and history - worksheet and answers 


See also related posts on Superhero activities:

Analysing superhero stories.

Superheroes Web Quest: Reading, Writing and Board Game Activities

In this lesson, students analyse the link between history and superhero stories through Captain America comic books, and practise their speaking, reading and writing skills.

In this lesson, students analyse the link between history and superhero stories through Captain America comic books, and practise their speaking, reading and writing skills.


Cécile Sohier 

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